We will learn a lot about a some of the league's better teams so far this season in Week 8.
GAMES OF THE WEEK
COLTS (6-0) at BRONCOS (5-1): This is the game of the early season. The Colts' high-powered offense is second in the AFC in scoring offense, mainly on the strength of their passing attack. Denver's defense has yielded a league-low 44 points, but it's offense has scored just 79 points, second-worst to the Raiders' 72. If Indianapolis gets the lead early, it will win. But I don't think that will happen in the Mile High City. Denver grounds out a close victory.
RAVENS (4-2) at SAINTS (5-1): Which quarterback has been more valuable to his new team: Baltimore's Steve McNair or New Orleans' Drew Brees? We'll find out - if McNair, who is injured, plays. Another good defense (Ravens) vs. good offense (Saints) matchup. Whether McNair plays or not, New Orleans is for real and will win again to stay unbeaten at home.
RAMS (4-2) at CHARGERS (4-2): What a terrific Southern California matchup! Oh, never mind. ... Both of these teams have something to prove. The Rams feel they were robbed against Seattle two weeks ago, and the Chargers gave away a game at Kansas City with three first-quarter turnovers. This could be a shootout because San Diego's defense is banged up, and St. Louis' defense can't stop the run. RB LaDainian Tomlinson and the Bolts edge the Rams.
GAMES OF THE WEAK
CARDINALS (1-6) at PACKERS (2-4): It pains me to no end to put the Packers in this category two weeks in a row, but this game has clunker written all over it. Assuming Brett Favre has anyone other than undrafted free agents to throw to, the Packers will hold on to beat Arizona, thus ending the Dennis Green era in the desert.
STEELERS (2-4) at RAIDERS (1-5): Once upon a time, say the 70s or 80s, this would have been the marquee game of the season and a probable playoff matchup. But here we find a struggling Super Bowl champion that has had numerous injuries and uncharacteristic defensive lapses against a team that runs an offense that harkens back to the 70s. Pittsburgh begins to claw its way back into the playoff picture with a victory.
WORTH A PEAK
FALCONS (4-2) at BENGALS (4-2): If Cincinnati can't stop the run, it won't matter if Carson Palmer is healthy or not. Expect Atlanta to run wild in the "jungle."
COWBOYS (3-3) at PANTHERS (4-3): A crossroads game for both teams. A fourth loss before the midpoint of the season would cement both teams solidly in third place in the NFC's top two divisions. Carolina rates a slight edge at home, but stranger things have happened than Tony Romo leading Dallas to a road victory. I just can't think of any right now.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Hart-less decision
What exactly was Atlanta Thrashers coach Bob Hartley thinking on Thursday night going into a shootout against the Philadelphia Flyers?
Hartley pulled goaltender Johan Hedberg, who had stopped 29 of 31 shots in regulation and overtime, for the shootout and replaced him with No. 1 goalie Kari Lehtonen, who promptly surrendered goals to the first two shooters he saw, leading to Atlanta's loss.
This was a boneheaded move for two reasons: Hedberg had played very well, AND what sort of message does this send to Hedberg, the team's backup goalie. Given Lehtonen's injury history, it's likely the Southeast Division leaders will need to lean on Hedberg in the net at some point this season.
... Meanwhile, who will stop the Sabres, who have tied an NHL record with 10 victories to start the season? The Thrashers travel to Buffalo on Saturday night. ... Buffalo is winning with good puck movement, speed, balanced scoring and very good goaltending from Ryan Miller. It's interesting to note that the team Buffalo tied for the record, the 1993-94 Toronto Maple Leafs, did not even advance to the Stanley Cup Finals after that start.
Hartley pulled goaltender Johan Hedberg, who had stopped 29 of 31 shots in regulation and overtime, for the shootout and replaced him with No. 1 goalie Kari Lehtonen, who promptly surrendered goals to the first two shooters he saw, leading to Atlanta's loss.
This was a boneheaded move for two reasons: Hedberg had played very well, AND what sort of message does this send to Hedberg, the team's backup goalie. Given Lehtonen's injury history, it's likely the Southeast Division leaders will need to lean on Hedberg in the net at some point this season.
... Meanwhile, who will stop the Sabres, who have tied an NHL record with 10 victories to start the season? The Thrashers travel to Buffalo on Saturday night. ... Buffalo is winning with good puck movement, speed, balanced scoring and very good goaltending from Ryan Miller. It's interesting to note that the team Buffalo tied for the record, the 1993-94 Toronto Maple Leafs, did not even advance to the Stanley Cup Finals after that start.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
The excellent hockey adventure
Coming in November, I will get a firsthand look at the NHL from the birthplace of hockey - Canada. Check in often during the week of Thanksgiving as I chronicle my adventures with my faithful sidekick in the Great White North. Game on, eh!
NFL review
I've established one thing after last week: I can pick games between bad NFL teams, but I don't know what I'm writing about in the games involving teams with records better than .500.
One of the more interesting storylines this week is the quarterback situations at various NFC teams.
Here is a look at some of them.
SEATTLE: Now we find out if Seneca Wallace is more than an exhibition season superstar. Unfortunately for him and the Seahawks, he won't have RB Shaun Alexander to hand off to in his first game replacing the injured Matt Hasselbeck. Wallace's speed will add a different dimension to the Seahawks' offense, but it's tough to envision Seattle having much success withouth Hasselbeck and Alexander. Fortunately for Seattle, the NFC West stinks, meaning they have a very good chance of reaching the playoffs.
ARIZONA: Clearly the Cardinals still are in rebuild mode, so going with rookie QB Matt Leinart makes sense. I also believe Kurt Warner has some sort of hand injury, and probably has for a few seasons, that hampers his ability to hold onto the ball. The Cards' future is with Leinart, and their season is essentially over so getting Leinart experience will only help.
DALLAS: Cowboys fans, are you ready for the Tony Romo era? Yes, Drew Bledsoe's lack of mobility was a big problem in the loss Monday night to the Giants, but Coach Bill Parcells knew that (having coached Bledsoe in New England as well as Dallas). So I put this loss and the failure of the Cowboys to protect Bledsoe, who gives Dallas the best chance to win because of his arm and experience, on Parcells and his staff. Design protection schemes that work. Benching Bledsoe is not the answer.
WASHINGTON: The Redskins are in a bye week, and it will be interesting to see if Mark Brunell remains their starting QB. I have a hard time believing second-year man Jason Campbell is ready to lead them on a playoff push. Washington's big problem has been injuries on defense and a group of vastly underachieving free-agent receivers. Aside from Santana Moss, Brunell has few options in the passing game.
One of the more interesting storylines this week is the quarterback situations at various NFC teams.
Here is a look at some of them.
SEATTLE: Now we find out if Seneca Wallace is more than an exhibition season superstar. Unfortunately for him and the Seahawks, he won't have RB Shaun Alexander to hand off to in his first game replacing the injured Matt Hasselbeck. Wallace's speed will add a different dimension to the Seahawks' offense, but it's tough to envision Seattle having much success withouth Hasselbeck and Alexander. Fortunately for Seattle, the NFC West stinks, meaning they have a very good chance of reaching the playoffs.
ARIZONA: Clearly the Cardinals still are in rebuild mode, so going with rookie QB Matt Leinart makes sense. I also believe Kurt Warner has some sort of hand injury, and probably has for a few seasons, that hampers his ability to hold onto the ball. The Cards' future is with Leinart, and their season is essentially over so getting Leinart experience will only help.
DALLAS: Cowboys fans, are you ready for the Tony Romo era? Yes, Drew Bledsoe's lack of mobility was a big problem in the loss Monday night to the Giants, but Coach Bill Parcells knew that (having coached Bledsoe in New England as well as Dallas). So I put this loss and the failure of the Cowboys to protect Bledsoe, who gives Dallas the best chance to win because of his arm and experience, on Parcells and his staff. Design protection schemes that work. Benching Bledsoe is not the answer.
WASHINGTON: The Redskins are in a bye week, and it will be interesting to see if Mark Brunell remains their starting QB. I have a hard time believing second-year man Jason Campbell is ready to lead them on a playoff push. Washington's big problem has been injuries on defense and a group of vastly underachieving free-agent receivers. Aside from Santana Moss, Brunell has few options in the passing game.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Two weeks in on NHL
Some thoughts on the 06-07 NHL season so far:
* Speed is essential. The teams with the highest point totals so far (Buffalo and Atlanta in the Eastern Conference and Minnesota, San Jose, Anaheim and Dallas) all have plenty of it. It's an ingredient (along with great goaltending) that put Carolina and Edmonton in spring's Stanley Cup Finals.
* Discipline is essential because the refs appear even more resolute in their willingness to call penalties. And capitalizing on the power play goes hand-in-hand with that. Four of the aforementioned teams (Dallas is the exception) have top-10 power plays.
Change of scenery can do a player good. In Ottawa, talented wingers Martin Havlat and Bryan Smolinski were complimentary parts. In Chicago, they're in starring roles and playing like it. Havlat leads the NHL with 13 points and Smolinski is a point-per-game player for the Hawks, who are tied for the Central Division lead going into Saturday's games.
* Speed is essential. The teams with the highest point totals so far (Buffalo and Atlanta in the Eastern Conference and Minnesota, San Jose, Anaheim and Dallas) all have plenty of it. It's an ingredient (along with great goaltending) that put Carolina and Edmonton in spring's Stanley Cup Finals.
* Discipline is essential because the refs appear even more resolute in their willingness to call penalties. And capitalizing on the power play goes hand-in-hand with that. Four of the aforementioned teams (Dallas is the exception) have top-10 power plays.
Change of scenery can do a player good. In Ottawa, talented wingers Martin Havlat and Bryan Smolinski were complimentary parts. In Chicago, they're in starring roles and playing like it. Havlat leads the NHL with 13 points and Smolinski is a point-per-game player for the Hawks, who are tied for the Central Division lead going into Saturday's games.
NFL Week 7 - take five
Just anonther week full of expletive-filled press conferences, firings and off-the-field trouble. So how was your work week?
Everyone wants to rehash the Denny Green implosion Monday and the fallout from it in the offensive coordinator ranks. But this is about the games so read about that other stuff elsewhere.
GAMES OF THE WEEK:
Panthers (4-2) at Bengals (3-2): Two fashionable preseason picks to reach the Super Bowl find themselves going in different directions. Carolina has won four in a row since WR Steve Smith's return to the lineup in Week 3, while Cincinnati has lost two in a row. The Bengals' problems have been running the ball (fewer than 100 yards total per game) and stopping the run (allowing 140 yards per game). Two key members of Cincinnati's offensive line, C Rich Braham and LT Levi Jones, are out. ... Carolina keeps rolling.
Steelers (2-3) at Falcons (3-2): Can the Super Bowl champs get their first road win of the season? To do so, they'll have to stop Atlanta's league-leading rushing attack, sparked by Warrick Dunn and Michael Vick. And Pittsburgh's aggressive defense and ball-control offense might provide the formula to ground the Falcons. I'd like the Falcons' chances more if their defensive line wasn't so banged up. DE John Abraham and DT Rod Coleman, easily the unit's two best players are questionable. ... Another road winner, Pittsburgh.
Giants (3-2) at Cowboys (3-2): Smash-mouth football at its best as both teams rush for 152 yards per game. The difference is Dallas' defense is very stingy against the run, meaning New York QB Eli Manning must play mistake free and spread the ball around to his receivers and TE Jeremy Shockey. New York's defense has to come up with ways to pressure Dallas QB Drew Bledsoe or he will pick the Giants' secondary apart. ... Dallas has too much defense and takes this one to keep the heat on Philadelphia in the highly competitive NFC East.
GAMES OF THE WEAK:
Cardinals (1-5) at Raiders (0-5): What happens when two frustrated teams meet? More penalties than points? I think the Raiders finally win one with RB LaMont Jordan having a huge day.
Packers (1-4) at Dolphins (1-5): So much for Miami's plans of winning the AFC East. The Dolphins have been the conference's most disappointing team, thanks largely to a defense that has turned inconsistent and an offense that has struggled under offseason acquisitions Daunte Culpepper and Joey Harrington, who will start again Sunday. The Packers are 5-2 against the former Lions signal-caller, but their pass defense (276 yards per game) is statistically the worst in the league. The return of RB Ahman Green should help the Packers to their second win.
Everyone wants to rehash the Denny Green implosion Monday and the fallout from it in the offensive coordinator ranks. But this is about the games so read about that other stuff elsewhere.
GAMES OF THE WEEK:
Panthers (4-2) at Bengals (3-2): Two fashionable preseason picks to reach the Super Bowl find themselves going in different directions. Carolina has won four in a row since WR Steve Smith's return to the lineup in Week 3, while Cincinnati has lost two in a row. The Bengals' problems have been running the ball (fewer than 100 yards total per game) and stopping the run (allowing 140 yards per game). Two key members of Cincinnati's offensive line, C Rich Braham and LT Levi Jones, are out. ... Carolina keeps rolling.
Steelers (2-3) at Falcons (3-2): Can the Super Bowl champs get their first road win of the season? To do so, they'll have to stop Atlanta's league-leading rushing attack, sparked by Warrick Dunn and Michael Vick. And Pittsburgh's aggressive defense and ball-control offense might provide the formula to ground the Falcons. I'd like the Falcons' chances more if their defensive line wasn't so banged up. DE John Abraham and DT Rod Coleman, easily the unit's two best players are questionable. ... Another road winner, Pittsburgh.
Giants (3-2) at Cowboys (3-2): Smash-mouth football at its best as both teams rush for 152 yards per game. The difference is Dallas' defense is very stingy against the run, meaning New York QB Eli Manning must play mistake free and spread the ball around to his receivers and TE Jeremy Shockey. New York's defense has to come up with ways to pressure Dallas QB Drew Bledsoe or he will pick the Giants' secondary apart. ... Dallas has too much defense and takes this one to keep the heat on Philadelphia in the highly competitive NFC East.
GAMES OF THE WEAK:
Cardinals (1-5) at Raiders (0-5): What happens when two frustrated teams meet? More penalties than points? I think the Raiders finally win one with RB LaMont Jordan having a huge day.
Packers (1-4) at Dolphins (1-5): So much for Miami's plans of winning the AFC East. The Dolphins have been the conference's most disappointing team, thanks largely to a defense that has turned inconsistent and an offense that has struggled under offseason acquisitions Daunte Culpepper and Joey Harrington, who will start again Sunday. The Packers are 5-2 against the former Lions signal-caller, but their pass defense (276 yards per game) is statistically the worst in the league. The return of RB Ahman Green should help the Packers to their second win.
Guitar rant, partial recant
Yes, I railed on the foreign-produced guitars a few months back, however, two things have happened to slightly alter my opinion.
First, I recently purchased one of Breedlove's Atlas series accoustic guitars. Breedlove is a U.S. company, but this guitar was manufactured in Korea then had quality control and set-up done in Breedlove's Oregon HQ. And it is remarkable. Incredibly playable right out of the box. After spending a lot of time recently playing high-end guitars in various shops around L.A., and nearly purchasing a used Martin, I can say the Breedlove compares favorably in sound to Taylor guitars but at a fraction of the price.
The second event that altered my opinion was picking up an Epiphone version of a Les Paul. Yes, the appointments are lower quality than you'd find in a Gibson, but the look and feel are similar and the sound is very similar. If you can tolerate cheaper knobs, etc., and want to spend about a quarter of what a Gibson costs and get Gibson-like sound, the Epiphones are not bad options.
First, I recently purchased one of Breedlove's Atlas series accoustic guitars. Breedlove is a U.S. company, but this guitar was manufactured in Korea then had quality control and set-up done in Breedlove's Oregon HQ. And it is remarkable. Incredibly playable right out of the box. After spending a lot of time recently playing high-end guitars in various shops around L.A., and nearly purchasing a used Martin, I can say the Breedlove compares favorably in sound to Taylor guitars but at a fraction of the price.
The second event that altered my opinion was picking up an Epiphone version of a Les Paul. Yes, the appointments are lower quality than you'd find in a Gibson, but the look and feel are similar and the sound is very similar. If you can tolerate cheaper knobs, etc., and want to spend about a quarter of what a Gibson costs and get Gibson-like sound, the Epiphones are not bad options.
Friday, October 13, 2006
The new NHL
Took in my first NHL game of the season the other night and saw the Islanders defeat the Ducks in a shootout.
The Ducks outshot New York 50-24 and should have won the game by 2-3 goals. However, New York's timely goaltending by Mike Dunham and a three-goal blitz to start the second period put the Ducks back on their heels.
What I liked: The refs and linesmen are calling everything so the game is cleaner and faster. ... The shootout is one of the best things to happen to the regular season. Everyone at Honda Center was on their feet throughout.
What I didn't: Ducks goalie JS Giguere gave up two soft goals and looked as if he was fighting the puck. Anaheim has speed skill and two of the three best D-men in the game (Scott Niedermayer and Chris Pronger), but it needs Giguere to have his A game if they want to live up to the Stanley Cup predictions.
Niedermayer might be the smartest player all-around in the league. He is never out of position, due in part to his great skating, but also due to the fact he KNOWS the game. ... Pronger looked lethargic at times, but he's large and talented at both ends of the ice.
The Islanders are an intersting bunch. Some speed, some skill, some fiestiness. When they gel, they could be decent. Playoff caliber? Maybe, but only because they're in the East.
The Ducks outshot New York 50-24 and should have won the game by 2-3 goals. However, New York's timely goaltending by Mike Dunham and a three-goal blitz to start the second period put the Ducks back on their heels.
What I liked: The refs and linesmen are calling everything so the game is cleaner and faster. ... The shootout is one of the best things to happen to the regular season. Everyone at Honda Center was on their feet throughout.
What I didn't: Ducks goalie JS Giguere gave up two soft goals and looked as if he was fighting the puck. Anaheim has speed skill and two of the three best D-men in the game (Scott Niedermayer and Chris Pronger), but it needs Giguere to have his A game if they want to live up to the Stanley Cup predictions.
Niedermayer might be the smartest player all-around in the league. He is never out of position, due in part to his great skating, but also due to the fact he KNOWS the game. ... Pronger looked lethargic at times, but he's large and talented at both ends of the ice.
The Islanders are an intersting bunch. Some speed, some skill, some fiestiness. When they gel, they could be decent. Playoff caliber? Maybe, but only because they're in the East.
I'm back ... Pack isn't
Had a chance to take in my first game at the renovated Lambeau Field this past Sunday.
Disappointed the Packers lost a game they could have at least tied in the final minute, but not surprised given they did not play particularly well.
Some observations:
The "new" Lambeau is first rate. Plenty of everything, great retro look, lots of room to roam and things to explore. And there still are no bad seats there.
The Packers' secondary is awful. Really awful. Marquand Manual and Charles Woodson were complete wastes of free-agent money. Al Harris holds on every play and is too slow. They need to spend three high draft picks on their secondary (again) and sign at least one above average free agent in the offseason.
The Packers lack playmakers. Their receivers had numerous drops, and while Noah Herron runs hard and Vernand Morency is shifty, they're not close to elite backs. ... They also lack a pass rush.
The good news: They play hard and have chances to win most games. I happen to believe their two big losses were to two of the three best teams in the NFC at this point: the Bears and the Eagles. The Packers also have some good young talent in their front seven on defense and in the offensive line. Receiver Greg Jennings is a keeper, too.
Now for their opponent, the Rams. This is an interesting 4-1 team. Their defense is nothing special but it creates and gets turnovers at opportune times. Their offense has some terrific players in Tory Holt and Steven Jackson, but neither is utilized as much as they could be. Their start, after a 6-10 2005 season, speaks to just how poorly coached they were last season. They will have a shot at the playoffs because their division is still so bad and they might get five wins from it alone.
Disappointed the Packers lost a game they could have at least tied in the final minute, but not surprised given they did not play particularly well.
Some observations:
The "new" Lambeau is first rate. Plenty of everything, great retro look, lots of room to roam and things to explore. And there still are no bad seats there.
The Packers' secondary is awful. Really awful. Marquand Manual and Charles Woodson were complete wastes of free-agent money. Al Harris holds on every play and is too slow. They need to spend three high draft picks on their secondary (again) and sign at least one above average free agent in the offseason.
The Packers lack playmakers. Their receivers had numerous drops, and while Noah Herron runs hard and Vernand Morency is shifty, they're not close to elite backs. ... They also lack a pass rush.
The good news: They play hard and have chances to win most games. I happen to believe their two big losses were to two of the three best teams in the NFC at this point: the Bears and the Eagles. The Packers also have some good young talent in their front seven on defense and in the offensive line. Receiver Greg Jennings is a keeper, too.
Now for their opponent, the Rams. This is an interesting 4-1 team. Their defense is nothing special but it creates and gets turnovers at opportune times. Their offense has some terrific players in Tory Holt and Steven Jackson, but neither is utilized as much as they could be. Their start, after a 6-10 2005 season, speaks to just how poorly coached they were last season. They will have a shot at the playoffs because their division is still so bad and they might get five wins from it alone.
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